Computer system and chassis

ABSTRACT

A computer system having electronic components housed in a central unit having a protective enclosure and a cover. The cover is moveable to provide access to electronic components housed in the central unit. The cover allows access to certain electronic components and prevents access to other electronic components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a computer system, andparticularly to a computer system having a chassis providing safe andeasy access to serviceable components of the computer system.

A typical consumer computer system consists of a variety of electroniccomponents, such as a power supply, a processor, and memory. The powersupply supplies electrical power to the electrical components of thecomputer. A processor controls the operation of the computer andoperates according to programming instructions stored in the memory.Typically, the power supply, processor, and memory are housed within anenclosure. A typical computer system also includes additionalcomponents, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or printer.

A typical enclosure consists of a base and a cover with the cover beingsecurable to the base. In such an enclosure, the cover must be removedin order to service any of the components within the enclosure. Thetypes of service performed by the typical consumer are usually limitedin nature. For example, a consumer might add additional memory to thesystem. However, a technician is more likely than a consumer to performrepairs to a computer system. Thus, there is little need for a consumerto have ready access to all of the electronic components of a computersystem.

Generally, removing the cover to access any of the components within theprotective enclosure exposes a large number of electrical componentsthat are subject to damage. In addition, a consumer may be unfamiliarwith the internal layout of the computer and, thus, have difficultyfinding the location of a specific component. For example, a consumerseeking to add additional memory to a computer may not be able toquickly locate the appropriate connector to receive the memory.

There exists a need for a computer chassis that facilitatesinterchangeability of components by a consumer and which directs theconsumer to those specific components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a computer system having a centralelectronics unit and a removable component selectively coupleable to thecentral electronics unit. The system includes a chassis having aprotective enclosure and a movable cover. The protective enclosure formsa barrier to the central electronics unit. When the cover is in a firstposition, the movable cover forms a barrier to the removable component.When the movable cover is in a second position, an individual may accessthe removable component.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer system isfeatured having a protective chassis, a removable component disposablewithin the protective chassis, and a plurality of electronic componentsdisposed within the protective chassis. The protective chassis isconfigured to provide access to the removable component and to form abarrier to access to the plurality of electronic components

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method ofconfiguring a computer system is featured. The method includesdetermining a component of a computer system to be made accessible by aconsumer. The method also includes determining what component of acomputer system is not to be made accessible by a consumer. The methodfurther includes manufacturing an enclosure for the computer system, andconfiguring the system so that a component is accessible to a consumerby movement of a cover. However, the method also includes protectingother component(s) from ready access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereafter be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote likeelements, and:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the right and front sides of a chassis,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the right and front sides of the chassisof FIG. 2, illustrating a cover removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the cover featured inFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the right and front sides of the chassisof FIG. 2, illustrating a cover and a hard drive removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the left and front sides of a chassishaving a removable device, according to an alternate exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the left and front sides of a chassis,illustrating the portability of a removable device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the left and front sides of the chassisof FIG. 6, illustrating the chassis with the cover over the removabledevice removed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exterior of a cover, according to analternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interior of the cover of FIG. 10;and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rear of a chassis, according to anembodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIG. 1, a block diagram is illustrated depictingan exemplary computer'system, generally designated by the referencenumeral 20. Computer system 20 can be any of a variety of differenttypes, such as a server, desktop computer, or notebook computer. In theillustrated embodiment, a processor 22 controls the operation ofcomputer system 20. Processor 22 utilizes computer programming tocontrol the operation of system 20. Electronic memory is coupled toprocessor 22 to store and facilitate execution of the computerprogramming.

Processor 22 can be coupled to a volatile memory 24, such as RAM, and anon-volatile memory 26, such as a hard drive. Non-volatile memory 26 canalso include a disk drive, tape drive or read only memory (ROM), such asan EPROM, to be used in conjunction with volatile memory 24. A varietyof memory modules, such as DIMMs, DRAMs, SDRAMs, SRAMs, etc. can beutilized as volatile memory for a given device or application. Thememory in system 20 can be expanded by adding additional memory or canbe upgraded by replacing existing memory with improved replacementmemory. Computer system 20 also includes a power supply 28 that supplieselectrical power to processor 22, volatile memory 24, non-volatilememory 26, and the other electronic components of system 20.

Various components of computer 20 can be coupled to processor 22depending upon the desired functions of the computer system. Generally,a user interface 30 is coupled to processor 22 to enable a user todirect the operation of system 20. Examples of a user interface 30include: a keyboard, a joystick, buttons, switches, a light pen, amouse, and a voice recognition system. A display 32 can also be coupledto processor 22 to provide indications of computer functions. Examplesof displays 32 include: a computer monitor, a television screen, LEDs,and even audio speakers.

A communications port 34 can be coupled to processor 22 to enable aperipheral device 36, such as a printer, or a scanner, be coupled toprocessor 22. Another communications port 38 can be used to coupleprocessor 22 to an external communication system 40, such as a telephonesystem or network.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a central unit42 of a computer system is featured. A number of the componentsdiscussed above in reference to FIG. 1 can be disposed in central unit42. Central unit 42 includes a chassis 44 that is particularly amenableto providing safe and simple access to customer serviceable components.Additionally, chassis 44 restricts access to other non-customerserviceable components.

Chassis 44 of the illustrated embodiment has an enclosure 46 and a cover48. Enclosure 46 protects the components disposed therein whileproviding for ready access to components deemed serviceable by theconsumer. A variety of different configurations can be utilized todispose a consumer serviceable component as part of chassis 44. Forexample, a consumer serviceable component can be disposed withinenclosure 46 and accessible by moving cover 48. Additionally, a consumerserviceable component can be disposed on the exterior of enclosure 46,covered by cover 48, and accessible by moving cover 48. In theillustrated embodiment, cover 48 preferably is formed of plastic butother materials can be used. Other portions of enclosure 46 are formedof metal.

Enclosure 46 is configured to prevent ready access to certain componentsof central unit 42, e.g., components easily damaged and potentialsources of electric shock. These limited access components are thusprovided with greater physical protection. In the exemplary embodiment,the limited access components are still accessible for servicing bytechnicians, or consumers, if desired, but a more traditionallydisassembly of components is required to achieve access.

The illustrated embodiment of enclosure 46 includes a front bezel 50, aright bezel 52, and a left bezel 54. Front bezel 50, right bezel 52, andleft bezel 54 preferably are formed of plastic. An upper vent 56 and alower vent 58 allow air to enter and circulate through chassis 44.

A power switch 60 is used to control electrical power to the electroniccomponents within chassis 44. A light 62 is illuminated when electricalpower is on. Another light 64 is illuminated when data is transferringto and from the hard drive. The illustrated embodiment of enclosure 46also includes a microphone jack 66, a headphone jack 68, and two uniformserial bus (USB) ports 70. Chassis 44 can be configured with a varietyof other functions and components.

Referring generally to FIG. 31 chassis 44 is illustrated with cover 48removed. In the illustrated embodiment, a hard drive 72 and two memorymodules 74 are readily accessible when cover 48 is removed. Theselection of specific components to be made readily accessible bydisplacing cover 48 is a matter of design choice. Thus, additional oralternative components, such as a processor, could be made readilyaccessible, if desired. Memory modules 74 are secured to connectors 76,Memory modules 74 can be RAM or another form of memory.

In addition to front bezel 50, right bezel 52, and left bezel 54,enclosure 46 also includes a barrier 78, a shroud 80, a base plate 82,and a rear plate 84. Barrier 78, base plate 82, shroud 80, and rearplate 84 can be constructed of a variety of different materials, such asmetal or plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, barrier 78, base plate82, and rear plate 84 are formed of sheet metal and shroud 80 is formedof plastic. Barrier 78 is secured to chassis 44 by a plurality of screws86. Shroud 80 has a guide hole 88 and two diagrams 90 illustrating theproper technique for inserting and removing a memory module 74 fromconnector 76.

Shroud 80 includes an opening 92 that provides access to connectors 76.The components within enclosure 46 are prevented from emitting radiosignals through opening 92 by conductive contacts 94 in cover 48, asbest illustrated in FIG. 4. When cover 48 is installed on enclosure 46,conductive contacts 94 contact bare metal portions 96 of barrier 78 andform a conductive bridge across opening 92. This serves to reduce theradio emissions through opening 92.

In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting assembly 98 is used to securehard drive 72 to barrier 78, i.e., the exterior of enclosure 46.Alternatively, hard drive 72 can be disposed within enclosure 46.Electrical power and data are coupled to hard drive 72 by two separatecables. Electrical power to operate the hard drive is supplied by apower cable 100. Power cable 100 passes through a first opening 102 inbarrier 78. Power cable 100 connects to a power connector 104 on harddrive 72. A data cable 106 passes through a second opening 108 inbarrier 78. Data cable 106 connects to a data connector 110 on harddrive 72. Alternatively, a single cable for transmitting data and powercan be used.

A power supply 112 is used to supply electrical power to the electricalcomponents of central unit 42. Ground clips 114 are used to electricallyground barrier 78 to power supply 112. A ventilation fan 116 is disposeddirectly above power supply 112 to provide a flow of air to cool theelectronic components within chassis 44.

Referring generally to FIGS. 3 and 4, cover 48 can be secured andremoved from chassis 44 without the use of any tools. To install cover48, cover 48 is positioned so that two tabs 118 on chassis 44 areinserted into two corresponding openings 120 in cover 48. The tabsrestrict the lateral motion of cover 48.

Additionally cover 48 has a latch 122 and a guide pin 124. Enclosure 46includes a catch 126 that corresponds to latch 122. To secure cover 48,cover 48 is pivoted so that latch 122 engages catch 126. As cover 48 ispivoted against enclosure 46, guide pin 124 is inserted into guide hole88 of shroud 80. Front bezel 50 and right bezel 52 are shaped to form arecess 128. An edge 130 along two sides 131 of cover 48 is seated inrecess 128 of enclosure 46 when cover 48 is secured to enclosure 46.

To release latch 122 from catch 126 and remove cover 48 from enclosure46, a portion 132 of a sidewall 131 of cover 48 is pressed downward.Cover 48 is then pivoted so that latch 122 and guide pin 124 are broughtfully free of catch 126 and guide hole 88, respectively. Cover 48 isthen lifted upwards to free cover 48 from tabs 118.

A variety of different configurations can be used to secure cover 48 toenclosure 46. For example, chassis 44 could utilize a hinge mechanism tosecure cover 48 to enclosure 46.

Referring again to FIG. 4, an interior view of cover 48 is illustrated.Cover 48 has several sidewalls 131 and a front panel 133. The dimensionsof sidewalls 131 and front panel 133 are selected to ensure that thedesired components are accessible and yet protected when cover 48 isconnected to chassis 44. This view also illustrates standoffs 134 usedto position conductive contacts 94 into proper engagement with metalportions 96 of barrier 78.

Referring generally to FIG. 5, central unit 42 is illustrated with harddrive 72 removed. The illustrated embodiment of hard drive 72 includesthree flanged posts 136 and one flanged post 138. Flanged post 136 andflanged post 138 may be identical. Flanged post 138 is the flanged postoriented on the upper left side of hard drive 72 in FIG. 5.

Mounting assembly 98 includes three securing rails 140, a securing rail142, and a side rail 144. Each of securing rails 140 and securing rail142 are configured with a guide channel 146 to guide hard drive 72 intoand out of mounting assembly 98. Flanged post 136 and flanged post 138each have a flange portion 148 and a post portion 150.

During installation and removal of hard drive 72, guide channels 146 ofsecuring rails 140 and securing rail 142 direct the post portions 150 ofthe flanged posts 136 into and out of mounting assembly 98. Flangedportions 148 are positioned outside of each securing rail. Becauseflanged portions 148 are wider than guide channels 146, securing rails140 and securing rail 142 prevent lateral movement of hard drive 72.Side rail 144 extends along one side of hard drive 72 and assists inpreventing lateral movement of hard drive 72.

A flexible strip 152 is secured to securing rail 142 to prevent removalof hard drive 72 from mounting assembly 98. During installation of harddrive 72 into mounting assembly 98, the flange portion 148 of flangedpost 138 produces a temporary displacement of flexible strip 152. Whenhard drive 72 is fully installed into mounting assembly 98, flangedportion 148 of flanged post 138 reaches a securing hole 154 in flexiblestrip 152 and is no longer able to displace flexible strip 152.Consequently, flexible strip 152 returns to its normal position.Flexible strip 152 and securing hole 154 surround flanged post 138,forming an obstruction that prevents flanged post 138 and, thus, harddrive 72 from being withdrawn from mounting assembly 98. In theinstalled position, hard drive 72 is positioned against a raised portion156 of barrier 78.

To remove hard drive 72 from chassis 44 power cable 100 and data cable92 are disconnected from power connector 104 and data connector 94,respectively. Flexible strip 152 is flexed in the direction away fromhard drive 72 so that flanged portion 148 of flanged post 138 is nolonger obstructed by flexible strip 152. Hard drive 72 can then belifted and guided out of mounting assembly 98.

Referring generally to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated that features a removable electronic device158. Removable device 158 can take many forms. For example, removabledevice 158 can be a CD-Rom player or recorder, a DVD player, or a memorystorage device. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, removable device 158 isinstalled and removed from central unit 42 through an opening 160 incover 162. Cover 162 is secured to chassis 44 in the same manner asCover 48. Alternatively, removable device 158 could be disposed inenclosure 46 and accessed without the use of cover 162.

Referring generally to FIG. 8, removable device 158 is designed to besecured in a device bay 164. In the illustrated embodiment, device bay164 is secured to a barrier 166 on the outside of enclosure 46 byseveral screws 168. Device bay 164 alternatively can be disposed on theinside of enclosure 46 and accessed by an opening in enclosure 46.Barrier 166, like shroud 80, has a guide hole 170 to align and guidecover 162 onto enclosure 46.

To secure removable device 158 to central unit 42, removable device 158is fully inserted into device bay 164. When fully inserted, removabledevice 158 is electrically coupled to a printed circuit board 172.Printed circuit board 172 electrically couples device 158 to otherelectronic components within enclosure 46. A ground clip 174electrically grounds device bay 164 to power supply 112.

An eject mechanism 176 is used to selectively eject removable device 158from device bay 164. As illustrated, eject mechanism 176 includes aneject button 178 to initiate the ejection of removable device 158 fromdevice bay 164.

Referring generally to FIGS. 9 and 10, interior and exterior views ofcover 162 are illustrated. Cover 162 includes opening 160 for removabledevice 158. Cover 162 also includes a latch 122 and guide pin 124. A gap180 in cover 162 is disposed to permit eject button 178 to protrudetherethrough.

Referring generally to FIG. 11, a plurality of electrical connectors areused to couple central unit 42 to other devices. For example, theillustrated embodiment has an audio input jack 180 and an audio outputjack 138. Audio input jack 180 allows an external audio source to becoupled to central unit 42. An audio device, such as a CD player, alsocan be configured as removable device 158. Audio output jack 184 is usedto couple an output from any of these audio devices through central unit42 to external speakers.

Other devices can also be coupled to central unit 42. A monitor can becoupled to central unit 42 via monitor port 186. A peripheral device,such as a printer, can be coupled to central unit 42 via a parallel port188. Additional devices can be coupled to central unit 42 by a serialport 190. Central unit 42 also includes a mouse port 192 and a keyboardport 194. An external communications port 196. enables the central unit42 to be coupled to an external communication system. This port can takemany forms, such as a telephone connector, an Ethernet connector, or acoaxial cable connector. These ports are secured to a board 198 thatoccupies an opening 200 in back plate 84.

Chassis 44 also includes an electrical power connector 202. Theillustrated embodiment can operate on either standard 115 VAC or on 230VAC electrical power. Chassis 44 includes a switch 204 to select between115 VAC or 230 VAC electrical power. A portion 206 of back plate 84adjacent to connector 202 and switch 204 has a number of small holes toallow air to be drawn into fan 116.

It will be understood that the foregoing description is of preferredembodiments of this invention, and that the invention is not limited tothe specific forms shown. For example, the central unit can beconfigured so that components other than a hard drive, memory or aremovable device are readily removed. Indeed, the system could beconfigured so that the processor and motherboard may be easily removed.Additionally, a cover may be secured to the chassis in a variety ofways. For example, a cover could be pivotably secured with a hinge.These and other modifications may be made in the design and arrangementof the elements without departing from the scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims.

1. A computer system, comprising: a processor; a hard drive selectivelycoupleable to the processor unit; and a chassis comprising: a protectiveenclosure adapted to house the processor, wherein the protectiveenclosure forms a barrier to access to the processor; and a movablecover, wherein in a first position the movable cover prevents access tothe processor and the hard drive and in a second position the movablecover permits access to the processor and the hard drive.
 2. The systemas recited in claim 1, wherein the hard drive is disposed on theexterior of the protective enclosure.
 3. (Cancelled)
 4. A computersystem comprising: a central electronics unit; a removable memory moduleselectively coupleable to the central electronics unit; and a chassiscomprising: a protective enclosure, wherein the protective enclosureforms a barrier to access to the central electronics unit; and a movablecover, wherein in a first position the movable cover blocks access tothe removable memory module and in a second position the movable coverenables access to the removable memory module.
 5. The system as recitedin claim, wherein the removable memory module comprises RAM.
 6. Thesystem as recited in claim 2, the system further comprising a pluralityof electrical cables having electrical connectors configured for matingengagement with a plurality of electrical connectors on the hard drive,each electrical cable being directed to its respective removablecomponent electrical connector through a separate opening in theenclosure.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: aportable device; and a portable device bay fixedly secured to theprotective enclosure, the portable device bay being configured toelectrically couple the portable device to the central electronics unit.8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device isinterchangeable between a notebook computer and a desktop computer. 9.The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portable device is a DVDplayer.
 10. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the portabledevice is a CD-ROM player.
 11. The system as recited in claim 7, whereinthe portable device is a memory storage device.
 12. The system asrecited in claim 7, wherein the portable device bay is disposed on theexterior of the protective enclosure.
 13. The system as recited in claim1, wherein the movable cover is secured to the system by a mechanismthat requires no tools to free the movable cover.
 14. The system asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a shroud extending into theprotective enclosure.
 15. A computer system, comprising: a protectivechassis; a removable electronic component disposed within the protectivechassis; and a processor disposed within the protective chassis, whereinthe protective chassis is configured to provide access to the removableelectronic component and to form a barrier to access to the processor.16. The system as recited in claim 15, the chassis comprising: aprotective frame; and a moveable cover covering a portion of theprotective frame.
 17. The system as recited in claim 16, comprising ahard drive securable to the exterior of the protective frame andcoverable by the movable cover.
 18. (Cancelled)
 19. The system asrecited in claim 16, wherein the removable electronic componentcomprises a memory module, accessible by moving the movable cover. 20.(Cancelled)
 21. The system as recited in claim 15, further comprising adevice bay, wherein the removable component is a portable devicedisposable in the device bay.
 22. The system as recited in claim 21,wherein the portable device is a disc drive.
 23. The system as recitedin claim 21, wherein the portable device is a DVD player.
 24. The systemas recited in claim 21, wherein the portable device is a CD-ROM.
 25. Thesystem as recited in claim 16, wherein the cover is movable without theuse of a tool.
 26. The system as recited in claim 16, the chassisfurther comprising: a shroud forming a barrier between the removablecomponent and the plurality of standard electronic components. 27-36.(Cancelled)